Primary Areas of Practice

Attorney Details

Career Highlights

Bob has been noted for representing a number of persons caught up in the now infamous Wenatchee Sex Ring Cases. Representing three of the defendants in that case, all of whom were acquitted, they are the only defendants to have gained acquittals in the criminal cases filed against them. (See: Power to Harm, Andrew Schneider and Mike Barber, Seattle Post Intelligencer).

Practicing law continuously in Auburn since March 1968, Bob began his practice as an assistant City Attorney for the cities of Auburn and Pacific serving each city as prosecutor as well as performing corporate work in each city’s civil divisions.

His practice has primarily been as a trial attorney in the various litigation fields of practice including personal injury, product liability (especially aviation related), professional negligence, civil rights litigation and complex commercial and labor law.

Bob is the first Auburn, WA attorney to receive the “AV” rating in the Martindale Hubbell Legal Directory.

Personal Background

An avid pilot, Bob is an instrument rated pilot holding single and multi-engine ratings.

Quotes from Clients:

“You guys are the best. Top-flight lawyers! We owe you our freedom and will never forget you.” (Criminal defense, civil rights, 1995-2009).

-Honnah and Jon of Wenatchee

“Bob is not only the best attorney in the state, but in the whole world! And I mean that. Although I never want to go through my ordeal again, I am so happy God connected me to his firm.” (Criminal, Jury Verdict “Not Guilty”, 1995) (Civil Rights Settlement, 6 figures, 2008).

-Pastor Roby of Wenatchee

“Bob is not only a honest and patient attorney, but has a brilliant legal mind.” (January, 2010)

-Ken S. of Auburn

Education

Willamette University, J.D., 1967

Oregon State University and Willamette University, B.S.L., 1966

Professional Associations

Seattle-King County Bar Association Judicial Selection Committee

South King County Bar Association, President

Lawyer Pilots Bar Association

Active in local organizations

Affiliations and Courts Admitted

Admitted to practice in all courts in the state of Washington

Admitted in Federal Courts, U.S. District Courts for both the Western District of Washington and the Eastern District of Washington

Professional Profiles

John S. Stocks

Partner

Primary Areas of Practice

Attorney Details

Career Highlights

John finished law school at an early age and had the honor of arguing before the Supreme Court at age 25; He has been the lead trial attorney in several complex trials, including family law, criminal defense, and civil cases.

Primarily a trial attorney, John obtained the largest and first-ever jury verdict for negligent investigation against a law enforcement agency against Douglas County Sheriff’s held in Spokane County Superior Court (July 31, 2001 – $3 Million).

He has won many, large, complex, and/or publicized criminal jury trials. In addition, John has successfully argued several cases before Divisions I, II, and III of the Court of Appeals. John is admitted to practice in the State of Washington and the U.S. District Court, both the Western and Eastern Districts of Washington.

Personal Background

John was born and raised in Olympia, Washington, where his father was with the State Auditor’s office for many years. He graduated from the University of Washington and then went to law school at Seattle University (formerly University of Puget Sound School of Law). He maintains his residence in King County, and remains active in the community, including Auburn Eagles, Elks, Rotary, Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, Softball Associations, and other volunteer organizations. He enjoys participating and/or being a spectator in local softball, basketball, baseball, and professional sports; John also writes and composes music.

Quotes from Clients:

“I know that John has other cases, but he made the time for my “drama” at the drop of a hat. Thanks for the personal attention and sincere advice. (Divorce, March 1995, Contempt, 2012).

-Tina K. of Covington

“I found John and his staff to be professional, prompt, and passionate. …will use no-one else.” (Divorce, Custody case)

-Jessica M. of Auburn

“John is my ‘go-to-guy’ for all my legal concerns.” (Divorce case)

-Kylie H. of Federal Way

“John is hard working; would take my texts and phone calls (even from home after dinner) just to answer my growing concerns and calm me down.” (Divorce client – 26 year marriage).

-Gary S. of Lake Tapps

See John in Court:

See John Stocks Argue in the Supreme Court

Education

Seattle University School of Law, J.D., 1991

Member of Seattle University Law Review (1989-1991)

University of Washington, B.A. in Business Administration, graduated magna cum laude, 1988

Centralia Community College, High Honors, A.G.S, 1986

Professional Associations

Washington State Bar Association

Oregon State Bar Association

Washington State Trial Lawyers Association

King County Bar Association

South King Bar Association

Washington State Trial Lawyers Association Eagle

Washington Civil Rights Section of WSTLA

Affiliations and Courts Admitted

Admitted to practice, 1991, Washington State Bar

Admitted to practice, 2002, Oregon State Bar

Admitted in Federal Courts, U.S. District Courts for both the Western District of Washington and the Eastern District of Washington.

Primary Areas of Practice

Attorney Details

Career Highlights

Tyler’s practice emphasizes representation of individuals against corporations and governmental entities in the areas of wrongful death, personal injury, medical malpractice, and employment law. Tyler has handled many high profile cases, including the landmark cases of Federal Way School Dist. No. 210 v. Vinson, 172 Wn.2d 756 (2011) and Bellevue John Does 1-11 v. Bellevue School Dist. #405,164 Wn.2d 199 (2008). Tyler successfully prosecuted a case in which the largest award of sanctions in state history was affirmed on appeal in Roberson v. Perez, 123 Wn.App. 320 (2004).

Personal Background

Tyler is married with three daughters. In his free time, Tyler enjoys skiing, dirt biking and wakeboarding. Tyler also plays the banjo.

Quotes from Clients:

“Tyler got me a PI settlement 4 times (400%) over the “final and best offer” I had received to settle. He kicked the insurance company butt in trial and then kicked it again with a post trial motion that got me even more money. Since, I always get savvy, common sense advice. No BS, just the truth, even when I didn’t like what he told me. If you want someone to tell you what you want to hear, go somewhere else. If you want an aggressive, smart attorney who gives it to you straight, use Tyler Firkins.”

- Joshua M. of Bremerton

“Tyler is tough, fair, and he knows his stuff. He won’t let people in positions of authority get away with wrongdoing, and he fights for people who are doing good things in their life. He’s a straight shooter who won’t waste your time but will cut to the heart of the matter so you can get on with your life. His knowledge of education law make him someone you will want on your side, should you find yourself in a battle against ‘the system.’”

- Sarah P. of Kent

“I was impressed with how much more prepared and polished Tyler was in court for me compared to the other attorneys. It gave me a lot of confidence and I was happy with the results.” (Car Accident Trial, January, 2011).

-Kathy L. of Des Moines

See Tyler in Court:

David Vinson v. Federal Way School District

Tyler on KOMO News

Education

Seattle University School of Law, J.D., 1991

University of Washington, B.S., 1985

Professional Associations

Washington Association of Justice (WSAJ) EAGLE

Washington Employment Lawyers Association (WELA)

King County Bar Association (KCBA)

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association (TPBA)

Affiliations and Courts Admitted

Admitted to practice, 1991, Washington State Bar

Admitted in Federal Courts, U.S. District Courts for both the Western District of Washington and the Eastern District of Washington

Admitted to practice before the U.S. Bankruptcy Appellate Panel, Ninth Circuit

Jeffrey R. Caffee

Associate

Primary Areas of Practice

Attorney Details

Career Highlights

Jeff has served as the lead trial attorney in several cases on behalf of disadvantaged citizens against the State of Washington, local counties, and insurance companies. In 2009, Jeff was honored by The International Academy of Trial Lawyers with an Award for Advocacy for distinguished achievement in the art and science of advocacy. In 2011, Jeff received the American Bar Association Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section Trial Academy Scholarship.

Jeff in an active legal speaker in the Auburn community on estate planning and has been a featured speaker at events such as the Aging Successfully Expo hosted by the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce.

While attending law school at the University of Notre Dame, he was an active student member of the University of Notre Dame Legal Aid Clinic representing low-income clients in landlord-tenant, mortgage, and estate planning issues.

Personal Background

When away from work Jeff enjoys hiking, bouldering, and playing board/card games with his family. He is an avid fan of the University of Notre Dame Football. Go Irish!

Education

University of Notre Dame School of Law, J.D.

Notre Dame Dean’s Fellowship Scholar

Saint Leo University, B.S. in Biology, 2003

Professional Associations

Washington State Bar Association

Washington State Association for Justice

Seattle-King County Bar Association

Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association

Affiliations and Courts Admitted

Admitted to practice in the State of Washington

Admitted in U.S. District Courts for both the Western District of Washington and the Eastern District of Washington

Professional Profiles

Deborah L. Gordon

Associate

Primary Areas of Practice

Divorce and Family Law, Custody, Child Support, Litigation and Collaborative Law

Attorney Details

Career Highlights

Deborah has represented hundreds of individuals facing marital turmoil, ranging from complex divorce litigation to the simple, uncontested divorces. Deborah takes an aggressive approach to many cases, but also thrives in the arena of dispute resolution. In law school, she was active in the Northwest Institute for Alternative Dispute Resolution and received first place in school-wide negotiation and mediation advocacy competitions. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Western Washington University with minors in History and Sociology.

Deborah has a reputation of achieving the best possible outcomes for her clients, particularly those facing legal issues during a vulnerable time. She is able to guide her clients through an otherwise intimidating process, making sure they are taken care of.

Victor J. Torres

Associate

Primary Areas of Practice

Attorney Details

Career Highlights

Victor is an outstanding communicator and trial attorney who works tirelessly to represent individuals who have been injured or harmed by others. This includes representing individuals in cases against the government and its agencies, corporations, an employer, or another third party.

Personal Background

Victor was born in San Francisco, California, and raised in the Bay Area. From very early on, he had a passion for social justice and pursued a liberal arts education at the University of San Francisco. After moving to the Puget Sound area, he went to the Seattle University School of Law. He is an active community volunteer in the South King County area of Maple Valley where he resides with his wife and their four sons. In his personal time, Victor enjoys weight training, spending time and playing with his family, and the cinema experience at the movie theater. Victor has not forgotten his roots and is a life-long, die-hard San Francisco 49ers faithful.

Quotes from Clients:

“Victor has a heart of gold and the mind of a scientist.”

“My case was somewhat difficult to manage due to the length of time that had passed and the vast amount of materials to be reviewed but he overcame those hurdles and proved to be very hard working, knowledgeable in the subject area, thorough and well prepared while representing me. In fact, during the various depositions and other face to face meetings he proved to be much better prepared than the opposing counsel. He was very supportive, communicative, and helpful throughout the entire difficult process. In the end, he did a great job negotiating a good settlement from a difficult opponent.”

- Paul (employment discrimination, 2013)

“Victor Torres is professional, knowledgeable and always prepared. He is hard working, well respected, and compassionate. It was a pleasure to have worked with him. I highly recommend him.”

- Tuyen (employment discrimination, 2012)

“Mr. Torres was extremely helpful in reviewing, and negotiating on my behalf, an employment contract. His knowledge and experience prevented me from signing a contract that would have allowed the company to hold me personally financially accountable for failing to meet the contractual goals. I had missed this clause during my review and without Mr. Torres I could have signed a bad contract.”

- Ken (employment contract, 2011)

“My wife was involved in an automobile accident in which there was clear liability on the other party involved. Given that my wife was not at fault and my lack of experience in these matters, I thought this matter would be very straight forward and I couldn’t have been more wrong. After contacting Victor and having him review our case, he immediately laid out a course of action based upon his professional opinion. From that point forward, Victor did an excellent job of handling the case and insulating us from any of the unnecessary details. The accident was pretty traumatic for my wife and he was very compassionate and understanding with her throughout the whole process. In the end, he was able to get us the compensation we felt was deserved. I certainly hope we don’t have to go through this again, but having Victor in our corner was the best peace of mind we had. I will definitely recommend him to others.”

-Darren (motor vehicle accident, 2010)

Education

Seattle University School of Law, J.D., cum laude

Editor-in-Chief, Seattle University Law Review

University of San Francisco, English major (emphasis in writing), Accounting minor

Stephanie L. Messplay

Associate

Primary Areas of Practice

Attorney Details

Career Highlights

Stephanie L. Messplay was admitted to the bar in January, 2014. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law in Charlottesville, VA, where she served as a contributing editor on the Virginia Journal of International Law. Stephanie was also an active member of the Employment Law Clinic, representing clients in unemployment and wage theft disputes. She recently served on the Washington Court of Appeals, Division I, as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Stephen J. Dwyer. Stephanie graduated summa cum laude from Hope College in Michigan, with majors in International Studies and German and a minor in Economics.

Stephanie is a vital part of a team that pursues complex litigation and appeals, class actions, personal injury, and criminal defense.

Personal Background

In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys rollerblading at Alki Beach, whale watching, and playing board games. She is a fan of the Seattle Seahawks and German National Soccer Team.